While copper wire theft is becoming more common, the dangers of the crime persist. Investigators believe one of the suspects likely has a connection to someone who works on power lines.

“I believe it was a family member that may have had some knowledge of this,” says Detective Matt Snyder.

The electricity was back on by 1 a.m. Sessams is glad none of her residents suffered from the loss of power.

“I have people on oxygen,” she says. “It’s not fair for them to do that.”

All four suspects were charged wtih theft under $1,000 and malicious destruction of property. Tomblinson was also charged wtih identify theft and giving a false statement to an officer. He was also served on an open warrant for violation of probation. Nichols, who police say was driving, was also charged with driving on a suspended license.